Kade & Cameron (Something About Him Book 6)

by A. D. Ellis

  I watched her leave and felt my heart sink. When the boys were younger, she never would have left them to go party with friends and colleagues, but it seemed she was gone more than she was home these days.

  We had a whirlwind romance in the beginning. I was instantly smitten by her big personality and fun-loving attitude. Steph was always the life of the party back then. My family hadn’t been crazy about her at that time, but I defended her and asked that they give her a chance. Steph broke my trust once during our past, and we barely overcame that rough patch.

  But, we eventually settled into our adult lives as a married couple. Having Myles and Evan was the highlight of my life. Those boys meant the world to me[PC19]. And, a few years ago, I would have placed money that Stephanie felt the same way. But, now, home with the boys and me seemed to be the last place she wanted to be.

  Turning off the sauce, I placed the spoon to the side. I followed her out the door[PC20] and caught up with her in the driveway. “I feel like we never see you anymore[PC21]. And when we do see you, it’s like you don’t even want to be around us.”

  “Grow up, Kade. Your job allows you to be home in the evenings. My job requires a lot of travel and evening work. That’s the way it is,” Steph snapped.

  “Let’s do that couple’s getaway the church is sponsoring.” I suggested, grasping at straws trying to reach her.

  “I have no desire to sit around in a circle and talk about our sex life and feelings.” She rolled her eyes. “Touchy-feely isn’t my style, and you know it.”

  “Two years ago you were crushed we couldn’t afford that getaway.” I reminded her.

  “Yeah, well, things change,” she mumbled as she kept her eyes glued to her phone. “Listen, I need to head out, or I’m going to be late.”

  “Can we plan a date this weekend?” I felt like a complete douche trying to make plans with my own wife.

  “Can’t. I’ve got that big gala; I’ll be gone all weekend.” She opened her car door.

  Anger and frustration swirled together as I watched her drive away.

  ~*~*~*~

  Life continued in the same pattern for several weeks. Steph was gone more and more. The boys missed their mother, but I did my best to keep them entertained. The three of us still spent time with Cam, Declan, and Justin.

  And then, about two months after Deacon passed away, Steph came home drunk. Again.

  I snapped.

  “Steph, you’re gone more than you’re here. You come home drunk, or you get so drunk you have to sleep it off on a ‘friend’s’ couch, and you spend most of the next day nursing a huge hangover and ignoring the boys. What the hell is going on with you?” I followed her while she stumbled around the bedroom trying to change into her pajamas.

  “Oh for fuck’s sake, Kade. Stop your whining. I’m sorry you’re not getting enough attention.” Her words were laced with bitterness.

  “This isn’t about me. I’m talking about the boys. Those kids notice you’re gone all the time. They miss you! You can’t stop drinking, sleeping it off, or burying your nose in your phone long enough to even acknowledge them. You’ve missed school programs, sporting events, and so many bedtimes I’ve lost count.” I tried to keep my voice low, not wanting the boys to hear, but the anger and frustration had built up and the words were clawing their way out.

  “You know what? Maybe school programs, sporting events, and bedtimes aren’t the way I want to spend my time. Ever think of that?” Steph spat out.

  “The boys want you at those things,” I stated incredulously.

  “Well, those things aren’t what I planned to do with my life. I can’t just throw away my professional life for the domestic life.”

  “It’s called being an adult, Steph. We all have to grow up and say goodbye to our youth. Don’t you think I miss playing golf every weekend? Basketball with the guys anytime I want? Sleeping until noon?” On the verge of kicking the laundry basket across the room, I took a deep calming breath. “But, I have a family and responsibilities now. Things change. We can still have fun, but we have other people to think about.”

  “I’m not interested in thinking of others at this point,” she said. “I don’t have the time or energy to take care of anyone else right now.”

  “What are you saying?” My heart choked me as I prepared for her next words.

  “I’m saying this isn’t the way I planned my life. I’m saying I need a break. I’m out,” she mumbled as she left the room.

  I followed her, watching in desperation and fear as she flopped on the couch. “What the hell does that even mean?”

  “Just that. I’m done. I’m tired. I need a break from life.” She giggled at her own words before passing out.

  I stared at my drunk and dead-to-the-world wife on our couch. I couldn’t process what she had said. She was done? She needed a break? Praying it was the alcohol talking, I vowed to talk to her more in depth the next day.

  Evan cried out from his room, likely awakened by Steph’s less-than-quiet rant. For the next hour, I comforted my son until he was finally back to sleep. Crawling into bed that night, I wondered what was happening to my life. All I knew was I would fight until the end for my boys.

  ~*~*~*~

  “So, what did she say the next day when she wasn’t drunk?” Cam’s tone was laced with sincere concern[PC22] as we chatted at the small food court at work.

  “Nothing. She was asleep until about eleven o’clock. I took the boys to lunch, and she was gone when I got home. I texted her several times during the afternoon and evening, but she ignored every single text. Around midnight, she finally responded. Said she was too drunk to drive and didn’t want to leave her car to take an Uber.” I rubbed my hands over my face, trying to make sense of what was going on with my wife.

  “And that was the last time you saw her or heard from her?” Cam was clearly as confused as I was.

  “Yep. She was gone super early this morning, if she even came home at all. I took the boys to school and daycare. She responded to one text today saying she wouldn’t be home for supper.” I had started to lose hope of fixing whatever was wrong with my marriage. And, if I was honest, I wasn’t head-over-heels in love with Stephanie any longer. But that type of shit happens as marriages go on, right? I mean, in all honesty, Steph’s personality and the fun we had together and with friends was probably more of what I was in love with even way back in the beginning. But, we’d made vows to each other. We had children. I didn’t come from the type of family that ran away when the going got rough. Couples had rough spots. It was part of life. I wasn’t ready to give up on my marriage and have my boys lose their mother. Or, in my worst nightmare, having their mother take my children away from me.

  “What about counseling?” Cam glanced at me, his dark eyes solemn.

  “I asked. She said no. She won’t go to the couples getaway the church is sponsoring either. And she said a counseling session here would be a waste of time. Her exact words were, ‘I get it. I’m a terrible person. I’m a horrible mother. I have major issues. I don’t need to pay money for a complete stranger to tell me what we both already know.’” I sighed as I thought of the conversation I’d had with Stephanie.

  “So, she’s aware what she’s doing is messed up, but she’s not willing to fix it.” Cam summarized.

  “That’s the gist of it.” I sagged in my chair. “I’m really sorry for unloading on you.”

  “Don’t apologize. Helps to take my mind off my own shit.” Cam took a drink from his soda.

  “I just never saw this coming. I don’t feel like I’m handling it very well.” My mind had a hard time wrapping around all that was happening.

  “Man, I’m sorry,” Cam patted my shoulder. “I wish I could help. I mean, if you need someone to watch the boys so you and Steph can have some alone time, just let me know. I’d be happy to have them.”

  “Thanks. I may take you up on it if I can get her to agree to a night alone.” I laughed bitterly. “I’ll have to
get her to stay home for longer than a couple hours first though.”

  ~*~*~*~

  Two weeks later, the slight glimmer of hope I’d held onto disintegrated into a million pieces. The computer I usually used died. Instead of waiting for the battery to charge, I grabbed Steph’s laptop. Opening it, I began to log in to the credit card account to set up a bill payment. As I was entering the password, I saw Steph’s instant messages pop up on the sidebar. At first, I tried to focus on the task at hand. I knew she had the messenger app on her phone connected with her computer. I really had no interest in what she and her girlfriends chatted about during the day. But, then I noticed the messages were from Steven.

  Last night was amazing.

  It was, thank you.

  You never have to thank me for that. It was just as much for me as for you.

  Will you be home tonight? I wouldn’t mind a replay.

  I will be. Think you can get away? A replay is definitely doable.

  Yeah, I’ll tell him I’ve got another work thing.

  Do you think he suspects?

  No, he’s clueless.

  I don’t want to be the reason your marriage falls apart.

  It’s not because of you. It’s been over for a while. He just hasn’t admitted it to himself.

  What about the kids?

  I’m not fit to be a mother right now. Let’s not talk about it anymore.

  Deal. I’ll have wine chilling. Wear the silk bra and panties I bought you.

  Mmm, maybe. What do you have in mind if I do?

  First, I’ll lick every single inch of your beautiful body.

  Mmm, keep going.

  Then I’ll tease you until you’re going crazy.

  I think I’m already going crazy. How will I wait until tonight?

  Think about my mouth all over you. My cock filling you. I want you dripping wet by the

  time you get here.

  I’m soaked now. Wish you were here. We could have another quickie in my office.

  That was hot. God, I’m rock hard now.

  Serves you right. I’ll see you tonight.

  I stared in silent revulsion and despair as the conversation scrolled on before my eyes.

  My wife was having an affair. And, if I remembered correctly, Steven was a much older man Steph used to work with. He had to be at least twenty years older than her.

  Breaking from my disgust-induced trance, I robotically finished the credit card payment before slamming the laptop shut. Checking the time, I realized I only had twenty minutes before my next tutoring session. In a complete daze, I headed toward campus.

  Three hours later, I packed up my work stuff, drove to the school to pick up Myles, and then stopped by daycare to get Evan. Without much thought as to what I was doing, I drove to Cam’s. I smiled at my boys and laughed with them as they sang silly songs and talked about their day. All the while, my heart was breaking and my stomach threatened to revolt. Steph and I hadn’t been intimate in several months, but the thought of her hugging and kissing the boys after being with Steven made me want to throw up.

  “What’s up?” Cam looked up in curious surprise when the boys and I entered through the garage door into the kitchen.

  “Can the boys stay here?” I rubbed my aching temples.

  “Sure.” He agreed. “What’s going on?”

  I waited until the boys scampered off to play, before I laid out the whole story to my best friend. By the time I’d finished, Cam had pulled two beers from the fridge and tossed one to me.

  “Damn,” was all he said, and I could only nod.

  “I’m going to confront her before she leaves for her ‘work event.’” We leaned against the kitchen counter sipping our beers.

  “Do you think she’ll admit to it?” Cam turned to face me, and his dark eyes studied me intently.

  “Honestly, I don’t know. I think she’s so caught up in lies these days that she doesn’t even know what she’s saying. She’s telling lies to cover up lies. I doubt she even knows the truth anymore.” My heart broke a little as I recalled the happier times we’d shared.

  “The boys can stay as long as they need to. I’ll get Myles and Declan to school tomorrow. Are you okay with Evan staying here with Justin and me tomorrow instead of going to daycare?” Cam took my empty can.

  “Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll come get them after work tomorrow.” I was already thinking ahead to the no-win conversation I needed to have with my wife.

  “Just plan on letting them stay the weekend. My parents are coming over to help me clean out the garage and clean up our part of the beach, so the boys can play, and I’ll have extra hands to help with them.” Cam offered.

  I wasn’t sure what would happen after talking to Steph, so I agreed. “Okay, let’s go with that. I’ll let you know if plans need to change.”

  “Just know the boys are safe and happy. Spend the time with Steph, or by yourself, or come over and join the party.” Cam tossed his beer can in the recycle tub.

  “Okay. Let me just say goodbye to them[PC23].” I headed toward the playroom. “Shit, I didn’t even think about bringing clothes or anything.” I was doing a terrible job of keeping my emotions in check. Seemed the situation with Steph was getting to me more than I was willing to admit.

  “No worries, man. The big boys wear the same sizes, just like the little ones. They can borrow clothes for the weekend. And, we’ve got extra toothbrushes. Deacon always made sure we had at least a few extras in case we had guests.” Cam followed me as I walked to see the boys.

  “Hey, guys. You want to stay at Cam’s for the weekend?” I asked in faux excitement.

  “Yes!” Myles and Evan cheered.

  “Okay, give me hugs.” I kneeled down and held out my arms. Holding my boys, I breathed in their sweet scents. Taking a long, shuddering breath, I let them go. “I love you. Be good for Cam, okay? I’ll call you tonight.”

  Cam walked outside with me.

  “Man, I’m really sorry for dumping this shit on you. I should be here helping you through a rough time, not the other way around.” I opened the car door.

  “Stop. Having the boys here is no problem. We’re friends. We help each other. Your issues didn’t stop just because I lost Deacon.” Cam stood beside the door and smiled with sad eyes.

  I left Cam’s feeling guilty for piling my shit on him, but I felt good knowing the boys were with him. I knew the boys were safe and in hog heaven having the whole weekend to play with Declan and Justin. The feeling I was left with was dread. I didn’t want to think about the text conversation I’d seen. I didn’t want to think about what it meant. I didn’t want to think about confronting my wife about a suspected affair. I didn’t want to think about where everything was headed and how it would end.

  ~*~*~*~

  Steph walked into the kitchen and stopped short when she saw me leaning against the counter. “What are you doing here? Where’s your car?”

  I had parked the car out back, knowing Steph would think she had the house to herself. Taking advantage of her surprise, I ignored her questions and barreled straight into it. “Who is Steven?”

  Her face blanched, but she recovered quickly. “You know him. He used to work with me.”

  “You still talk to him a lot?” I tried to remain calm as the words they’d shared earlier screamed in my head.

  “I don’t know. I guess. He’s a good guy. He lost a parent when he was young, so we have that in common. He sort of reminds me of my dad in some ways.” She shrugged and turned on her heel toward the bedroom.

  I fought the urge to vomit[PC24]. Following her to the bedroom, I stood in the doorway as she slipped out of her work clothes. Watching in absolute disgust and disbelief as she pulled on a pair of black silk panties and changed into a matching black silk bra. In the past, the sight of my wife’s naked body would have turned me on. Knowing that another man had purchased the undergarments for her, and that she was wearing them for him, I only felt sick to my stomach and angry bey
ond anything I’d ever experienced. “Fancy.” I hitched my chin toward her choice of underthings. “Going somewhere?”

  “Work stuff. I told you. I’ll be gone most of the weekend.” Steph took a slinky dress from the closet and shimmied into it.

  “What should I tell the boys?” I asked, knowing I was goading her.

  “Tell them their mother is good at her job and is needed there,” she snapped.

  “We need you here, too,” I said quietly. Although, in my heart, I knew I didn’t want her to stay. I could barely stand to be in the same room with her cheating, lying ass.

  “You three do fine on your own,” Steph flipped a long strand of blonde hair over her shoulder.

  “But, we like having you with us[PC25].” As much as I despised what she was doing, I still wanted to fix everything for the boys.

  “I like having a paycheck, and that means I need to work. People are counting on me.”

  I gritted my teeth, pissed that she either didn’t get why I was upset with her or didn’t care that she sounded like a complete idiot. “Your children count on you. Don’t you think they are more important?”

  “They’ll be lucky if they don’t end up screwed up in the head like me. My parents’ divorce messed me up. I don’t want to do that to my kids. They are better off without me around right now.” Steph threw an overnight bag together and then shouldered past me, heading to the kitchen to grab up her keys and purse.

  “So you’re going to be gone all weekend?” I asked.

  “Yeah, sorry. This is a big event.” She didn’t even glance away from her phone as she spoke.

  “Will Steven be there?” I challenged.

  “Yeah, probably. He still has a lot of business acquaintances within the company.”